CHICAGO - Rafael Alvarado, an incoming freshman goalkeeper from Thornton Fractional North High School in Calumet City, Ill., and Rob Gacek, an incoming freshman midfielder from Stagg High School in Palos Hills, Ill., have both recently signed letters of intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at Saint Xavier University as members of the Cougar men's soccer program. Alvarado, a Calumet City native, was coached by Alejandro Lagunas during his prep career with the Meteors; while Gacek, who hails from Palos Hills, was coached by Mike Kealy with the Chargers.

Alvarado is the son of Luis and Guadalupe Alvarado of Calumet City. He plans to pursue a degree in psychology at Saint Xavier University. Gacek is the son of Piotr and Danuta Gacek of Palos Hills. He plans to study business starting this fall at SXU. Saint Xavier University men's soccer coach Ed Vucinic feels that both of these players possess key talents that will allow them to challenge for playing time right away.

"I feel our program is blessed to sign two players with such outstanding technical abilities, talent and instincts," said Vucinic. "Rafael is a big imposing force in goal and is pretty quick for a big man. We were in need of another keeper and good ones are hard to find. He will give us the insurance we need there this year with the expectations of becoming our key keeper moving forward. Rob has the abilities to challenge for playing time right away in an already solid interior midfield."